A new law creating a specific criminal offence of dog theft has been passed by the Scottish Parliament, marking a change in how the crime is treated under Scottish law. Until now, stealing a dog has been prosecuted as theft of property, alongside items such as televisions or laptops.
The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill was passed by 119 votes to two and introduces a maximum prison sentence of five years, as well as the possibility of an unlimited fine. The move follows the introduction of a criminal offence of pet abduction in England and Northern Ireland last year, which covers both dogs and cats and also carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
However, the Scottish legislation applies only to dogs and does not cover cats.
“By making dog theft a standalone offence, the law finally recognises the seriousness of this crime”
The Bill was championed by Maurice Golden MSP, who said he was “thrilled” and believed the legislation could “make a huge difference to dogs and to the many families across Scotland to whom they are so special”.
According to figures from Direct Line Pet Insurance, an estimated 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2024, with only one in five returned to their owner. Community Safety minister Siobhian Brown told Holyrood that “dog theft causes distress and can have a profound and devastating impact on victims”.
“To lose a much-loved dog and to lose it to theft is horrendous,” she added. “As a dog owner and a dog lover, I recognise the emotional benefits they bring to our lives. Dogs can lift our mood, provide companionship, and they are treated as members of the family.”
The Scottish SPCA has welcomed the passing of the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, hailing it as an important development for animal welfare in Scotland. The charity said that by creating a standalone offence and introducing tougher penalties, the law acknowledges the seriousness of dog theft and the emotional harm caused to victims.
Nicola Strachan, Head of Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships at The Scottish SPCA, said, “The passing of the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill is an incredible milestone for animal welfare in Scotland. By making dog theft a standalone offence, the law finally recognises the seriousness of this crime and the profound harm it causes to both animals and the people who love them.
“Dogs are sentient beings, not commodities that can easily be replaced. When a dog is stolen, the impact is devastating.”
